Astell & Kern Pathfinder Earphones

Astell & Kern

Astell & Kern Pathfinder Earphones

Price
£1,899.00
Enjoy a unique experience through PATHFINDER, a more advanced Hybrid IEM.

The Hybrid IEM Redefined

Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern have earned the recognition of audiophiles around the world thanks to their excellent technology introduced with the first collaboration model, AK Solaris X, which is a celebrated product that recreates the deep, rich sound of Astell&Kern.

Now, Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio join forces once again to present PATHFINDER, a new hybrid IEM that offers amazing technology and sound.

Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio take innovation to a new level by combining their advanced technologies and designs to create a product worthy of the name PATHFINDER. To realise this dream, they repeatedly tested numerous designs to produce a structure different from existing IEMs and added an innovative Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver, finally achieving the best sound.

The Astell & Kern Pathfinder earphones

The Combination for Perfect Balance

A completely new IEM design was needed for a wider frequency range, realistic reproduction, and a perfect balance. 
To achieve this, PATHFINDER has a new Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature (BA) Driver from Knowles for the key part of the midrange, dual BA drivers for high frequencies, as well as two dynamic drivers with a hybrid diaphragms that create bass and midrange.

A Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber, newly developed by Campfire Audio, is applied to the two Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers. The 3D-printed chamber design naturally expresses the intense low-frequency sound produced by the two dynamic drivers while preserving the unique sound of the Dynamic Driver.

Precision-Milled Aluminium Shell

The precision-milled aluminium shells made with high-quality aluminium are anodised into a pitch-black "night Sky" colour.  The stainless steel parts and aluminium shells used in the body increase the product's durability and suppresses unnecessary vibrations for minimal noise and offers a secure fit so that users can enjoy a comfortable audio environment.

New level of performance, custom dual balanced armature drivers + TAEC

The newly customised dual balanced armature drivers present clearer and more precise expressions with TAEC (Tuned Acoustic Expension Chamber) that expresses high frequencies without fatigue or sibilance through a specially designed audio technology.

The world's first, all-new 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology

To create a higher quality acoustic performance and listening experience, a new technology that previous products did not have was needed.

Knowles' new 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver, used for the first time ever in Pathfinder, is an innovative driver in which a single coil operates two individual diaphragms.  It's like a twin cylinder engine - delivering more horsepower and smoother operation compared to one with a single, larger piston.

Compared to a traditional BA with a single, larger diaphragm, the all-new design incorporates two chambers, each housing its own diaphragm and drive rod actuated by a single coil, resulting in a higher, more powerful output for its size than any other BA and is excellent at expressing a warmer and more natural midrange.  

Rich and Visceral Bass, All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers

Dual Custom Dynamic Drivers with PU + LCP Hybrid Diaphragms present a clean and balanced low to midrange with quick response.

The Dual 10mm Dynamic Drivers contained in the innovative 3D-printed chamber design provide a rich and high-definition low to midrange.  The acoustic chamber is an all-new design by Campfire Audio, creating a faster and more powerful low frequency response without unnecessary pressure or exaggeration.

Each dynamic driver is vented through a specially designed opening located at the face of the driver.  This new design dramatically improves the expression of the drivers.  With this design, they are able to create a magnificent low-note frequency while preserving the unique sound of the dynamin driver.

Beryllium/Copper MMCX Connections

Custom Beryllium Copper MMCX connectors are more resilient against wear and tear than regular brass connectors, providing a robust mating mechanism; one that is typically made from soft brass. This selection of a harder material extends the life of the component and the earphone.

Silver-Plated Copper and Flat Cable Design

PATHFINDER comes with three silver-plated copper cables allowing the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The silver-plated OFC copper Litz cable is a newly produced flat cable, with enameled silver-plated copper wire conductor to offer clearer, extended sounds. 
The flat cable prevents tangling, can be wound for easy storage, and has minimal cable distortion. It is over-molded for increased durability and finished with a metal housing.

Design

PATHFINDER combines Astell&Kern’s design philosophy, which expresses the purity of original sound with its philosophy of ‘light and shadow’, with Campfire Audio’s design philosophy, which expresses its awe of nature, gave birth to the ‘Mountain Peak’ inlay design. The inlay is individually produced from stainless steel and consists of six different sides that depict light and shadow. Together, these luminous sides form the shape of a brilliant mountain that rises from the earth. PATHFINDER, with its precision production, expresses dynamic beauty and displays the value of the premium craftsmanship and innovation that Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern pride themselves in.

Components

an image of all the things that come with the Pathfinder earphones
  • 2.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
  • 3.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
  • 4.4mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
  • 5 pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL)
  • 3 pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (S/M/L)
  • 3 pairs of Silicon Earphone Tips (S/M/L)
  • Earphone Cleaning Tool
  • Leather Zipper Case
  • Earphone Protection Sleeve
  • Earphone Tips and Cable Storage Pouch
Specifications
  • Transducer Type:
    • [High] Custom Dual Balanced Armature Drivers + T.A.E.C.
    • [Mid] All-New 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology from Knowles
    • [Mid-Low to Sub-Bass] All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers paired with Radial Venting Technology
  • Cable 2.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable:
    • 3.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
    • 4.4mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
  • Material / Design Aluminum shell / Hand polished stainless steel threaded spout / Stainless steel Inlay and Parts
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz-20kHz
  • SPL: 94dB @ 1kHz 13.49mVrms
  • Impedance: 6.2 Ohm @ 1kHz
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 1%

Overall Rating